Thread: rusty otto

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...-cell-rot.html

The only solution I can see is to replace the scales. The blade is not rusting by itself, it is the scales causing the rust. No more rusty Otto. Thank you very much. Juan.

I would like to suggest that you do an experiment with your 'rusty Otto'.

After using it, clean it and dry it as usual, but now do not store it in the bathroom. Instead, pick the warmest, dryest spot in your house (perhaps in the living room?).

Does your razor rust as much as usual? In the same places? If not, then you should consider that where you are usually storing the razor might be too humid. On the other hand, if there is no change in the pattern, do as follows.

Repeat the experiment, only this time, leave the blade fully open, out from the scales. Of course, you might want to carefully consider the location if there are lots of tiny, grasping appendages in the house (kids or jumping cats). Leave it for a day or two.

Again, does the razor rust as much as usual? In the same places? If by doing this second test the blade no longer rusts, you might, indeed, start to consider something like celluloid rot.

However, if the razor still shows signs of rust, even when out from the scales and in the dryest part of your home or appartment then I would also consider one of the following. Perhaps (A) the air in your home is a bit on the humid side in general (above 65% relative humidity) or (B) the razor is being subjected to something slightly acid (either in the air or water) that is affecting it. Of course, it could be that the steel from which this razor was forged is in some way especially susceptible to rust, but it doesn't seem so likely to me. In fact, you might consider putting out some other common steel articles (suitably washed and dried) along with the razor, as control items. For example, simple nuts and bolts. You might even put little bolts inside the scales, again to serve as a test for the corrosive gases of 'scale rot'.

Hope you find these suggestions useful. Good Luck.

My first reaction is to replace the scales and will watch if it continues to rust. I live in a very dry area, West Texas, no humidity at all. The razors are stored far from any bathrooms or kitchen area. Will see the results. Juan.

have you tried potato oil? here I am a newbie, and all I can do is make jokes

I saw someone using potatos or something to remove rust and it's still stuck in my head